PURPOSES : This study aimed to develop a transportation-energy linkage model and performance evaluation indicators to improve the sustainability operation and technology of smart city transportation-energy services. METHODS : This study derived a new transportation-energy linkage system model for 15 services designated by the national pilot city. Evaluation indicators for energy-oriented transportation services in smart cities were selected, and a methodological framework was proposed for selecting quantitative evaluation indicators based on text mining and importance-performance analysis (IPA). RESULTS : Twenty indicators, confirmed as crucial for successful transportation-energy linkage in smart cities, were selected. These covered data linkage between services, IoT-based information linkage driving rate, and network and energy efficiency indicators. The proposed quantitative methodological framework can complement expert subjective evaluation by identifying meaningful implications in research literature that experts may have missed. The methodology can consistently derive indicators even when new services are added, aiding policymakers’ decisions. CONCLUSIONS : The methodological framework can contribute to minimizing operational risks in smart city transportation-energy expansion. It can also be used to prioritize service investment in smart cities by estimating benefit effects through quantitative indicators.